Nominated by the Huron County Economic Development Department, Par-Chier Farms Ltd of Blyth is a recipient of the 2017 Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence.

“I’m pleased that Huron County producers continue to be recognized among the top agri-food businesses in Ontario,” said Warden Jim Ginn. “I’d like to congratulate owners Jim and Sylvia Parish, and David and Kirsten Passchier on earning this award.”

Looking to improve the efficiency of their goat dairy, Par-Chier Farms Ltd installed a cutting-edge rotary parlour that incorporates the feeding, milking and sorting of animals into one automated process – the first of its kind in North America. The 80-stall facility makes it possible to milk 800 goats per hour, where the specific dietary and care needs of each individual animal is managed using tracking technology. With this new computerized system in place, overall milk production on the farm has increased by 25%.

“We invested a lot into researching the technology and modifying designs to fit our operating goals,” said Sylvia Parish, co-owner of Par-Chier Farms Ltd. “We’re really pleased with the outcome and are looking to expand our operation in the near future.”

The Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence is an annual program designed to recognize leaders in Ontario’s agri-food sector. Huron County is the most agriculturally productive region in the province producing $1.2 billion in farm receipts in 2016, approximately 20% more than any other county in Ontario.